The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-09
THE Triton SCANDAL.
A Presentation of the Case That Places Mr.
Beecher in the Light of Victim.

Reecher in the Light of a Victim.
Brooklyn Eagle
OF what has come to be known as ''the Beech
er-Tilton scandal" DIR. Lyman Abbott wrote as
follows in his sketch of Mr.. Beecber's career:
'sMr Tiiton. finding bis own morality impeached,
adopted the peculiar defense of darby insinuar-
ing that Mr.. Beecher was open to grave sus-
picon in the same direction and finally formed
determination to drive him from his pulpit and
from the city by means of an accusation of some
vaguely defined offense to MIR. TiIton's own fam
lily. This offense no soon stated to be one of
improper advances, which Mr.. 1ilton had re-
pelled and while he whispered this to his
friends, he persuaded MIR. Beecher through a
famous mutual friend that Mrs. Tilton had so
far misconstrued his friendship for her as TO be
the victim Of morbid passion herself, which
had utterly wrecked her happiness and health
Believing that this would never have happened
il be had been sufficiently discreet himself, Mr.
Beecher with the instinct of a true
| gentleman, overwhelmed himself with re-
| breaches, both by word and by letter Mr.
| Tilton professed to be entirely satisfied, and
| invited Mr.. Beecher to resume friendly rela-
| tions but, at the same time, continued for
| years to whisper suggestions that there was
| some hidden fault which would be disastrous to
Mr. Beecher if exposed At last a direct charge
|
| made in some disreputabe newspapers. But
not until June, 1874. did Mr.. Tilton himself
| assume any responsiS ity for charge So long
| rs the charge whispered privately pub
| lished only in disreputable Sheet without a
responsible accuser, neither Mr. Beecher nor the
| public paid any attention to It, AS soon as it
| assumed definite form, with responsible
| accuser. Mr.. Beecher submitted the whole mat
| ter 10 the investigation of committee consist
| ing of some of the most eminent and respected
| members of his church and society. They re-
ported unanimously, after giving Mr.. Tilton a
full hearing that the charge was entirely false,
and this report was unanimously adopted by
the church and congregation.
| Next came the civil suit for criminal CONVEX.
sation brought by Tilton against Beecher in the
city court. which was tried before Judge Joseph
| Nelson, and lasted Elk months. 1t was the
cause ceebre of the century. The jury stood
nine for acquittal to three for conviction.
Two Ut those who voted for conviction
had voted at time for absolute
acquittal Next came the largest Congregations
council held in the history of the denomination
at Plymouth Church. It examined into ths
whole CASE and Mr.. Beecher was subjected to q
searching cross-fire of questions from all the
members of the council in an open session last
ing several days. After nearly week spent il
a most thorough and scrutinizing inquiry it ex
tended to Mr.. Beecher, without dissenting
voice, the Christian fellowship and sympathy O
the churches, and expressed the confidence O
the entire council in his integrity. II appointed
tribunal Of distinguished jursts, wholly out
side Of Plymouth Church. to investigate any
charges which might be made; but no charge
were ever brought before them. The New Yorl
. and Brooklyn Association Of Ministers to whicl